The world’s 8 most breathtaking private islands

Beaches with no one else on them, food cooked exactly the way you like and zero prying eyes...
Juliet Kinsman1 February 2018

The appeal of private islands is that… well, do we really have to explain the appeal of private islands? Seclusion, space, solitude and most importantly the idea that you can get up to whatever you want without anyone else knowing.

As postcard-perfect as a luxe paradise resort might look in the pictures, to arrive and not have to share your blissfully empty infinity pool or butler-served cabana with — gasp — other guests is the true height of luxury. Nothing is too much trouble at these far-flung resorts, prices for which start at you-probably-don’t-want-to-know, and move up from there.

Satellite

For those craving a lower-key, back-to-basics boathouse experience (or working to a slightly more down-to-earth budget), Satellite Island in Tasmania houses a rustic five-bedroom retreat with a bell tent and Belgian-linen beds. There’s only one innkeeper on the 76-acre outcrop in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, and he’ll be standing by to light fires, make up barbecues, shuck wild oysters and cook your catch.

Divas and dignitaries helicopter here from the capital, Hobart, having requested that their Robinson Crusoe abode be stocked up with the most gourmet of groceries. Go diving for your own urchins and abalones, or boat across to Bruny Island in five minutes for everything from specialist cheeses to chocolates from the farm shops (be sure to look out for fur seals and fairy penguins along the way). And best of all? You’ll have a grandstand view of the Southern Lights. (satelliteisland.com.au)

Into orbit: Tasmania’s Satellite Island

The Brando

Marlon Brando called his former getaway ‘beautiful beyond my capacity to describe’ — and others agree. Last year the French Polynesian atoll Tetiaroa hosted Pippa Middleton’s honeymoon, while Barack Obama chose it as the perfect place to disappear and write his memoirs. Going completely and utterly incognito is the main selling point of this destination (pictured).

A seven-seater private plane — the only plane permitted to land here — drops guests off, after which you will make your way to one of 35 thatched villas each with its own pool, private swathe of sand and outdoor bathtub. Lavish meals can be prepared privately by personal chefs, while champagne and spa treatments are included in some room rates. (thebrando.com)

El Coyol

Floating in the fresh waters of Lake Nicaragua is El Coyol, a diminutive isle for eight people. It is part of the portfolio of Avenue, which was created by Annabel Brooks, friend to the Chipping Norton set and Hollywood royalty, whose clients include Laura Bailey, Charlotte Tilbury and Sophie Dahl. A refined retreat in a rugged and little-visited destination, it is ideal for those seeking stays that promise discretion and first-class service. There’s a guest pool pavilion, while staff numbers are deliberately kept to a minimum so it never feels fussy. And if you get cabin fever, just hit the yoga deck or explore the lake in one of the kayaks. (avenueproperty.com)

Nikoi

If next-gen luxury escapes are swapping glitz and gloss for natural beauty, nowhere exemplifies this more than the 15-villa Nikoi Island. A speedboat ride from Singapore, it’s a popular playground for landmark, under-the-radar celebrations. ‘We love tailoring special events to guests’ wildest wishes,’ explains its founder, Andrew Dixon. ‘When we have bands and DJs perform, we have a strict rule that the sand-floored bar can only close when the last person has gone to bed.’ (nikoi.com)

Coral Caye

Another cinematic legend, Francis Ford Coppola, has added a private perch just off the coast of his Turtle Inn in Belize. Coral Caye is but a boat ride from Placencia, ushering you out of a simply relaxed way of life and into a positively glacial pace. A chef and a butler are the only humans on hand and they’ll fire up the Creole-style barbecue and ply you with fresh conch ceviche and just-plucked exotic fruit, all at the click of your fingers. There are two easy, breezy beach cottages and the great house has an indoor-outdoor entertainment space with a soft, sandy floor, underlining the barefoot-luxury vibe. (scottdunn.com)

Coral Caye off the coast of Belize

Lizard Island

Australia’s wild scrub and rocky ranges force you to go off grid at Lizard Island Resort — and there’s also zero mobile reception on the talcum-soft beaches. This 1,000-hectare sprawl of marine national park is as Captain Cook saw it in 1770 — save, of course, for the lavishly appointed selection of villas and suites — and those after adult time will appreciate no kids under 12 puncturing the tranquillity. Osprey’s is the French-accented restaurant named after the birds that nest in view, while the modern Australian dishes are an allure in themselves. Holler for a picnic hamper then charter a boat for high-end adventures on the open seas where, along the northern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, you can splash with starfish, stingrays, squid, sea cucumbers and neon-bright finned friends in the world’s most Technicolor coral playground. (lizardisland.com.au)

Thanda

Thanda Island in Tanzania’s Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve is a solitary spot styled by Scandinavian owners with great taste. A helicopter whisks you from Dar es Salaam to their sprawling villa and its two elegant bandas (beach chalets). The 16 guests can use sea toys galore — sailboats, canoes, stand-up paddle- and wake-boards — while tennis, a gym, a certified reiki, meditation and yoga practitioner and resident marine guides are on offer. Learn about the Swahili seafaring way of life and the endangered green and hawksbill turtles that nest here, and swim with whale sharks from October to March. In terms of eats, you can paddle out to the coral reef for romantic lunches on cays that disappear with the rising tide, and have the staff arrange fishing trips with giant trevally (which you might recognise from Blue Planet). GoPro cameras record the fun and help solar-powered Thanda contribute to a citizen-science programme that tracks the feeding, migratory and breeding patterns of these mighty fish. Back on dry land, there’s a grand piano and a few guitars to soundtrack your epic sojourn — and no neighbours to complain. (thandaisland.com)

Thanda Island, which brings Scandi chic to Tanzania

Azura Quilalea

Stray a little farther south to Azura Quilalea in Mozambique and you can stay in one of only nine seafront villas in 86 acres of marine sanctuary. Until recently, this coral corner of a remote African archipelago was entirely uninhabited. Follow the lead of the five-star Padi-accredited diving centre to explore the rich reef of the Quirimbas Islands. (azura-retreats.com)

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